WHISPERS OF ETERNITY

Chapter 29 ~ Lunch at Mia's House

The warm afternoon sun cast a golden hue over the sprawling Ahuja estate as the household bustled with preparations for the much-anticipated lunch gathering. The scent of rich, aromatic spices wafted through the air, mingling with the laughter and chatter of the family and friends eagerly awaiting the meal.

Mia stood by the grand dining table, adjusting the placement of the fine china, ensuring everything was perfect. Her mother, Anaya Ahuja, supervised the kitchen, giving last-minute instructions to the chefs while beaming at the sight of her daughter taking an active role in the gathering.

“Everything looks perfect, sweetheart,” Anaya said, placing a reassuring hand on Mia’s shoulder. “They should be here any moment now.”

Mia nodded, her heart brimming with excitement. After the recent developments in their lives, this lunch felt like a much-needed moment of togetherness. The past few days had been a whirlwind, with Vaani and Aarav’s relationship coming into the open. The family had accepted them wholeheartedly, and now, the focus was on celebration rather than tension.

Soon, the doorbell chimed, and the house staff ushered in the guests. Vivaan, Ahana, Aarav, and Vaani walked in together, their faces alight with excitement. Rudraksh followed closely behind, his piercing gaze immediately seeking Mia’s. She felt her heart skip a beat at the intensity of his presence, but she quickly masked it with a welcoming smile.

“Welcome, everyone!” Mia greeted, ushering them inside. “I hope you all are hungry because we have a feast prepared for you.”

“Starving,” Vivaan grinned, rubbing his stomach. “And knowing how amazing Aunty’s food is, I might eat twice my capacity.”

Anaya chuckled, motioning for everyone to take their seats. “Eat to your heart’s content, dear. Today is a day for celebration.”

As the group settled in, the staff began serving a lavish spread of traditional and continental dishes. The rich aroma of butter chicken, biryani, and freshly baked naan filled the air, complemented by the delicate flavors of Mediterranean salads and pastas. The dining table was an exquisite blend of flavors, symbolizing the diverse tastes of everyone present.

“So,” Aarav began, leaning back in his chair with a smirk, “since we’re all in a good mood, shall we talk about how these two lovebirds finally got together?” He gestured toward Vivaan and Ahana, who exchanged amused glances.

Ahana laughed, shaking her head. “I knew you’d bring this up. But fine, if everyone is so eager to hear it, I’ll tell the story.”

Mia rested her chin on her palm, thoroughly entertained. “This is going to be good.”

Ahana took a deep breath, setting her fork aside. “It all started during our college trip. We had just reached the hill station and were divided into groups for different activities. Vivaan and I ended up in the same hiking group. Now, I’ve always been into adventure, but that particular day, the trek was far more exhausting than I expected.”

Vivaan smirked. “She almost gave up halfway.”

Ahana rolled her eyes. “Excuse me, I was dehydrated. Anyway, Mr. Hero here decided to stay behind with me while the others continued. He made sure I was okay, shared his water, and—believe it or not—actually carried my backpack the rest of the way.”

Everyone let out a collective ‘aww,’ while Vivaan feigned embarrassment. “Well, I couldn’t just leave her there.”

Ahana’s expression softened. “It wasn’t just that. That day, I saw a different side of him. He wasn’t just my best friend anymore; he was someone I could rely on in a way I hadn’t realized before. And by the end of the trip, I knew I had feelings for him.”

Vivaan took her hand under the table, his usual playful demeanor replaced with something more sincere. “And lucky for me, I felt the same.”

Mia smiled, warmth spreading in her chest. “I’m so happy for you two. It’s about time.”

Aarav clapped his hands together. “So, first Vaani and me, now Vivaan and Ahana. Love is really in the air, huh?”

Vaani blushed, nudging him playfully. “Let’s not make this about us again.”

Rudraksh, who had been mostly silent, finally spoke up. “It’s good to see everyone happy. Life is unpredictable, and moments like these remind us to cherish what we have.”

Mia turned to look at him, her heart stirring at his words. There was something about the way he spoke—genuine, deep, and heartfelt—that made her feel an odd sense of comfort. She quickly looked away before she let her emotions get the better of her.

The lunch continued with laughter, teasing, and heartwarming conversations. Stories from their college days, playful banter, and nostalgic moments filled the air, making the afternoon one to remember. The elders of the family watched on with fond smiles, appreciating the bonds that had strengthened over time.

As the meal wrapped up, Anaya stood up, raising a toast. “To love, to friendship, and to the beautiful journeys ahead for all of you.”

Glasses clinked, cheers echoed, and for a moment, everything felt perfect. Mia looked around at the people she loved, a gentle smile gracing her lips. No matter what the future held, this moment of happiness was something she would treasure forever.
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To be continued